Massachusetts National Guard Responds to Snow Emergency

From a Commonwealth of Massachusetts News Release

BOSTON, Feb. 11, 2015 – With recent snowfalls measured in feet and more snow on the way, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has declared a state of emergency and deployed about 500 Massachusetts National Guard members to assist with snow removal and cleanup efforts.

The National Guard has mobilized its heavy equipment for snow removal, and through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, the commonwealth has authorized the purchase of two additional snow-melting machines and more heavy equipment from surrounding states to clear roadways and sidewalks.

The snow melters can process about 120 tons of snow, about 25 truckloads, per hour. MEMA will coordinate deploying these resources to the communities with the greatest public safety need, officials said.

“After three major storms in two weeks and multiple discussions with MEMA, State Police and the National Guard, we have deployed 500 National Guardsmen to dig out fire hydrants and other critical assets,” Baker said.